The goal of the Initiative is to identify 50 ANNpower Fellows amid rising high school juniors and seniors who have the potential to be the leaders of their generation. Applications are now being accepted until January 21, 2013 at ANNpower.org. 

The Fellows chosen will receive leadership training and mentorship by prominent women leaders from around the world as well as a chance to turn their trailblazing ideas into real projects that will positively impact their home communities.

As a part of the Initiative, 50 ANNpower Fellows will be invited to attend the 2013 ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, April 1-4 in Washington D.C.  At the Forum, Fellows participate in three days of comprehensive leadership training and mentoring from internationally renowned women who are part of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, as well as executives from ANN INC., including President and CEO, Kay Krill.

The Forum's curriculum equips these aspiring leaders with the training and mentorship they need to realize their full leadership potential. Armed with these new skills, the Fellows will then return to their communities to create projects to affect change and apply for project grants to put their ideas into action.  ANNpower grants will be awarded in the Fall of 2013 and winning Fellows will spend the school year implementing their projects and receiving mentoring from ANN INC. associates.

"At ANN INC. we are driven by a simple yet meaningful purpose - to inspire and connect with women to put their best selves forward every day," said Kay Krill, President and CEO, ANN INC.  "We are proud to launch this year's application period alongside the Vital Voices Global Partnership with the goal of finding and empowering the next generation of women leaders committed to making a difference in their communities and the world."

In support of this effort to find the best and brightest young women applicants, 82 Ann Taylor stores across the nation will dedicate a window during the month of January with the ANNpower recruitment call-to-action: "Do you know a girl who wants to change the world?"

"The ANNpower Initiative speaks to the heart of Vital Voices' mission. We invest in women whose leadership is transforming communities and improving lives," said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership.  "We are proud to partner with ANN INC. as we train, mentor, and empower talented and dedicated young women who want to change the world."

This past year, the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative provided grants to 14 passionate and innovative young trailblazers who are implementing meaningful programs in their communities.  For example, 2012 ANNpower Grantee Hanna Karimipour, from Tallahassee, Florida is implementing a project which is focused on addressing the disparities in female leadership within her state.